These phosphors work in a similar way as those in a regular CRTTV or monitor, but operate at a lower voltage. Therefore, in order to produce enough light (to yield a bright image), they draw a lot of current. This causes the well-known problem of burn-in, which together with the high power usage is the main disadvantage of plasma displays (not forgetting their high price of course).

Three of these (colored) gas / plasma cells make up one pixel in a PDP. Plasma cells are difficult to make in small dimensions, so that is the reason you don't see small PDPs.

The last few years a new type of plasma display has been available. This display is built up of many enclosedcells arranged in a grid pattern. Each of these cells contain a gas mix that emit ultraviolet light when ionized. This UV light in turn makes a phosphor light up. By arranging these cells in a RGB-triplet, a colour image can be produced.